Spotlight: Meet new SGA executives

By Hannah Brewster on April 6, 2017

As the 2016 -2017 school year comes to a close, four Oklahoma Christian University students prepare to fill their new roles on campus after being recently-elected executive officers of the Student Government Association.

.Tyler Clark, President

Sophomore Tyler Clark is the newly-elected president for the Oklahoma Christian 2017-2018 student body. From Austin, TX, Clark is working towards a degree in international business, and said among the various activities he is involved in, his two primary interests include “experiencing new cultures and Chick-Fil-A.”

Clark said his motivation in running for SGA president lies within his passion for the university and its students.

“I ran to be SGA president because I see this position as an opportunity to make a positive impact on OC’s campus,” Clark said. “I am energized by bringing groups of people together, finding new ways to solve problems and having fun.”

As president, Clark said he is in a position to help lead and minister to those around him.

“I desire to use my position within SGA as a platform to show love and encourage others to love through service,” Clark said.

Clark said he has several goals he plans on accomplishing within SGA for the upcoming year, but overall wants to enable and inspire each officer to do their best work.

Chaise Lucero, Vice President

Serving as vice president, junior Chaise Lucero is a public communications major from Keller, TX. When she is not serving SGA, Lucero can be found hiking outdoors, spending time with friends or playing with her dog, Pester.

Lucero previously held offices in SGA, and is currently serving as SGA secretary for this school year. Lucero said she believes she can make a bigger difference on campus in serving as vice president.

“I have run for senator and executive positions before,” Lucero said. “I thought I could help and have more of an impact on people if I ran for vice president.”

Lucero said she is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the students of Oklahoma Christian, and she hopes to encourage students to get out of their comfort zones to experience campus life in new ways.

“Some of my goals are to just get people involved and continue to build a thriving community on this campus,” Lucero said.

Taylor Dotson, Treasurer

An international business major with an emphasis in politics, sophomore Taylor Dotson is taking on the role of SGA treasurer for the upcoming school year. Dotson is from Katy, TX, and said along with being a dog lover she holds an avid interest in law and politics.

“Between my sisters and parents we have five dogs, all from rescue shelters,” Dotson said. “One of my other interests is law. I plan on going to law school and eventually getting into politics, so I always try and keep up with current events.”

The inspiration to run for SGA treasurer came when, according to Dotson, she recognized the need for change and improvement on campus.

“I think the best way to make a difference is to take your complaints and turn them into actions and solutions,” Dotson said. “Being an executive of student government, I have the privilege of doing this for the entire student body. I want to really encourage students to reach out to the executives with any suggestions, ideas or even complaints.”

Dotson said she is looking forward to working collectively alongside the other executive officers and continuing to cultivate the Oklahoma Christian campus. Specifically, Dotson said her top priority is efficiently managing SGA’s financial resources.

“I’d say my main goal is to represent the entire student body through the SGA budget,” Dotson said. “I look forward to working with local and international students, the Black Student Union and students of all religions, races and sexualities.”

According to Dotson, she plans on using her position to promote acceptance towards all students.

“I am hoping that if I, along with the other executives, create an inclusive environment it will encourage the rest of the student body to do the same,” Dotson said. “Embracing diversity is something very near and dear to my heart. I want people of all backgrounds to feel that they belong at this school.”

Emily Rowland, Secretary

Colorado-native Emily Rowland will represent the student body as secretary. A sophomore elementary education major, Rowland said her hobbies include volleyball, hiking, camping, travel and playing the piano.

Among her outdoor hobbies, Rowland said she enjoys reminding others of their significance. Rowland said she felt by leading the student body as SGA secretary, she could effectively help others feel like they matter.

“Every student, including part time, graduates and exchange students have something to offer, and I want to give them a chance to offer it,” Rowland said. “I also really like interacting with and serving others. I want to be a reliable person everyone can count on and come to share their concerns, suggestions or even just talk to about life.”

Rowland said as secretary her main goals include allowing senators and representatives to have more power in carrying out their visions for OC.

“We want it to be easier for students with great ideas to make ideas known and implemented,” Rowland said. “We’re all about empowering the student body to make changes they want to see.”

According to Rowland, she desires for students to understand their thoughts are important, and SGA wants to listen to their feedback and suggestions.

“I want everybody to feel like they matter, and that we as executives care and want to hear ideas,” Rowland said.